Chow Chow vs Spanish Water Dog Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Chow or SWD?

Compare the Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Chow or a SWD? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Chowdren, Chow

Perro De Agua Español, SWD

Weight

What is the average weight of Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog?

57.5 pounds ( 26 kg )

17.5 pounds ( 8 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog

18.5 inches ( 47 cm )

11.0 inches ( 27.9 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog?

Chow Chow has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Spanish Water Dog has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Chow Chows or Spanish Water Dogs hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, the Chow Chow is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Spanish Water Dogs are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog dogs?

Aloof
Loyal
Intelligent
Detached
Independent
Quiet
Protective

Affectionate
Diligent
Trainable
Athletic
Loyal

Shedding Level

Do Chow Chows shed more than Spanish Water Dogs, or which breed sheds more, Chow Chows or Spanish Water Dogs?

Chow Chows are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Spanish Water Dogs shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog?

Chow Chows are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Spanish Water Dogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Origin

What is the origin of Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog dog breeds?

China

Spain

Ancestry

What are the origins of Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog breeds?

Tibetan Mastiff

Ancient European Water Dog

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog breeds first developed?

Ancient Times

10th Century

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog?

Non Sporting (AKC:1903)
Northern Breeds (UKC)

Herding (AKC:2015)
Gun Dog (UKC)

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog?

13-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Chow Chow can have a litter of 13-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Spanish Water Dog can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Chow Chows may have difficulty adjusting to changes in lifestyle and living environments, preferring consistency.

Spanish Water Dogs are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog breeds are generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog breeds?

Entropion
Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog?

Stenotic Nares
Patellar Luxation
Distichiasis
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Cataract
Elongated Palate
Persistent Pupillary Membrane

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Addison's Disease

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog breeds?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Hip X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Hip And Eyes
Blood Test
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Chow Chows and Spanish Water Dogs compare?

Chow Chows are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Spanish Water Dogs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

Social Needs

Chow Chow vs Spanish Water Dog social needs comparison

Chow Chow has below average social needs and is content with spending time alone.

Spanish Water Dog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Chow Chow vs Spanish Water Dog exercise need comparison.

Chow Chows need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Spanish Water Dogs require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog?

Chow Chows are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Spanish Water Dogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog?

Chow Chow is an average drooler, monitor for excessive drooling which may indicate health issues.

Spanish Water Dog has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Tendency to Bark

Do Chow Chows or Spanish Water Dogs bark more/less frequently?

Chow Chows are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Spanish Water Dogs bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Is the Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog a better guard dog?

While Chow Chow dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Spanish Water Dog dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Chow Chow vs Spanish Water Dog?

Roaming urge

Chow Chow vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog entertained?

Walking, Petting, 2 year, Playing, Barking, Cuddling, Gaurding, Playdate, Walk, Running, Sniffing, Chase, Play, Companionship

Long walks, Play

Tolerance of being left alone

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Chow Chows or Spanish Water Dogs?

Chow Chows have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

The Spanish Water Dog has low grooming needs and is easy to maintain.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Chow Chows vs Spanish Water Dogs

Chow Chow is an independent and stubborn breed with low obedience intelligence, making training a test of patience.

Spanish Water Dog has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How do Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog compare in sensitivity?

Chow Chows are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chow Chow vs Spanish Water Dog?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog?

Chow Chows are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Spanish Water Dogs can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Child Friendly

Do Chow Chows or Spanish Water Dogs have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you might want to reconsider adopting them as companions.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog?

Cat Friendly

Do Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Chow Chows and Spanish Water Dogs are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, they can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog?

Chow Chows are not dog-friendly.

Spanish Water Dogs are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Pet friendly

How do Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Chow Chow or Spanish Water Dog?

Chow Chows are not very stranger friendly.

Spanish Water Dogs are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Chow Chow and Spanish Water Dog?

Chow Chows are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Spanish Water Dogs are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Chow Chows and Spanish Water Dogs compare?

Chow Chows may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.

Spanish Water Dogs are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.